Tell us about your professional background — how did you get to where you are now?
Hideko Kataoka has been a director of photography at Newsweek, Japan, since 2001. She joined the magazine as a photographer in 1991, covering national news, social issues and portraiture of world business and cultural leaders.
As director of photography, she oversees and directs photography both for the printed and digital editions of the magazine as well as its special issues. In 2004, Hideko launched the Picture Power section in the magazine, a weekly photo essay that captures underreported topics around the world.
Hideko is a lecturer at Tokyo Polytechnic University, does portfolio reviews and has served as a juror at international photography festivals and competitions, such as World PressPhoto and FotoFest, as an External Review Committee Member for Tokyo Photographic Art Museum.
A line about your publication / agency: What stories do you cover?
NEWSWEEK JAPAN is a full spectrum weekly magazine featuring International current affairs culture, sports and trends
What fascinates you about action and adventure sports photography?
The ability to capture intense moments of the human experience, and beauty of human body and activity.
Why do you think contests like Red Bull Illume are important to the photography scene?
This contest can raise the bar improving the quality and understanding of photography. It tells the audience the fascination of the photography.
Do you think the rise of social media has changed the way photography is being viewed?
Yes, absolutely.
What would you suggest to an up and coming photographer looking to gain more exposure?
Just start doing something you know and love, and show it by your own style.
Any tips for photographers looking to impress you in the competition?
Tell a story about the event you are recording.